Keegan Elliot (Form 7)

UPDATED 11/1/2016: Knowing I was gay from age ten was tough, as I was mocked and bullied through my 2 years of intermediate school due to me acting “flamboyant”. Throughout my early time at Grammar, I often had the terms ‘fag‘ and ‘homo’ slurred at my face. I finally came to terms with who I was in 4th Form and outed myself to a small group of family and friends. People were surprisingly accepting and were happy for me. The constant attack I faced early on from my peers really ran down my confidence, and I became shy and withdrawn.

From this I developed an anxiety disorder that I still struggle with today. I would have fits of panic as if the whole world was falling down around me. After having a panic attack during my Year 10 Social Studies exam, I knew this wasn’t a fight I could fight on my own. I turned to friends and family, the ones who accepted me for who I am. So I confided in them, and they aided. There are so many good people in this world. Even if you can just find one of them, you’ll always be ok.

Surround yourself with good people. People who are going to be honest with you and look out for YOUR best interests. – Derek Jeter

Throughout my entire life I have struggled with labels. Labels are a school kid’s invention that makes you conform to one version of yourself. You stop yourself from being the ever evolving human being that you can be.
Just remember that nobody can tell you who you are or who you should be. It’s your job to discover that for yourself. Figuring out who we are is what life is all about.

Whenever you feel labelled or attacked just remember this:

“Who are you?“

Answer: You are who you are in this given moment. Label-less. Limitless.

So in summary:

Find people who accept you for who you are and who want you to be your best you, just as much as you do.

Don’t feel like you should be defined being LGBT, even if others say it’s so, being gay, bisexual, trans… Whatever you feel RIGHT NOW, is a part of you, and not your entire person.

And when those snarky, derogatory guys tell you that you are wrong, throw glitter at them, I’m sure they won’t bother you.

Don’t be scared to be yourself… I mean you have to live with yourself your ENTIRE LIFE it’s easier to love than hate yourself.

If you ever need anyone to talk to, don’t be afraid to ask me!

Keegan Elliot

Keegan Elliot, is a creative seventh-form student who is pursuing Graphic Design and Photography. He is heavily involved in Arts and Cultural Productions, mainly the annual School Production each year. Keegan strives to see a school environment that lacks discrimination and exclusion due to race, sexuality, religion etc. He hopes to gain the most of his year as he grabs life by the horns.